Preparing for More Chemo

I went to see Dr. Y today and got some good news. Early on in this process I had been told that after my surgery, I would need chemo on a shortened schedule for 6-9 months. Once I knew that my cancer had been rated as a stage 3C (which was higher than I thought), I presumed that the length of time needed would be closer to 9 months. In addition, I wasn't sure if I would need a higher chemo dosage than I had earlier and wondered if this would be "hair removing." And Cyndy wondered if I would be able to use the pump like before or if I would have to go to the office for direct treatment (like others I had seen there). But from talking to Dr. Y today, I will start my chemo treatment next week; it will be with the use of the pump; I will be on a schedule of 5 days on and 3 weeks off; while the chemo dosage will be a little higher (as it was lower before because of the concurrent radiation treatment I was undergoing while this treatment will be by itself), it will NOT be hair-loss inducing; and it will only need to be for 4 months. Dr. Y said the 6-9 months treatment is the "old way." In addition, as we have been planning on using our time share down in Florida the first week in October, the prescribed chemo schedule will not interfere (i.e., it will be during the three week "off" period).

A quick word on the October vacation. As I have now used up all of my time off this year during this recovery and Cyndy has used much (if not close to all) of hers, I had asked her is she just wanted to sell back our time share week in October to save on what time we may have. She said "Absolutely not." She will go there without me on an unpaid vacation if she has to. As this whole thing has been almost as equally hard on her as it has been on me, she has been greatly looking forward to the vacation and our time on the beachfront in Fort Myers. So I guess we're going. Who can blame Cyndy for her attitude?

I start back to work this Wednesday. Not that I want to or am looking forward to it. If I had more time off available or if my company had a better compensation program for short term disability, I would probably wait a little longer, although I know I have to go back at some point. But this is it so we'll see how it goes. It will just be half days at first to see how I can handle it. I'll keep you informed.

I've been wondering what my surgery and hospital stay costs. Well, we just got a bill. The cost for the surgery, anesthesia, and three days in ICU was $93,000. I also stayed four additional days in non-private rooms, but that wasn't included so that would likely be over $100K when all is said and done. I'm presuming these are all of of the surgery costs (it did just say 'OR'); if not, the total will obviously be much higher. Thank goodness for insurance!

My daily progress is still very slow. There is noticeable progress week-to-week, but not day-to-day. I have continued to limit my lying down during the day and to do what walking that I can. Thanks again to my family for all of their assistance during this time and to all of you out there who continue to keep me in your prayers. And thanks to God for His healing hand.